GPs threatened to strike last night over a proposed NHS contract they say will not pay them enough to see patients.
The British Medical Association’s general committee voted against the deal, calling it “offensive” and a “slap in the face”.
The doctors’ union claimed the rates on offer did not take inflation into account – and vowed to take industrial action if the government and NHS England refused to renegotiate.
NHS sources expressed surprise at the vote and announcement and said negotiations were still ongoing.
Dr Kieran Sharrock, acting chair of the General Practitioners Committee, claimed the current offer was “offensive to staff and unsafe to patients”.
GPs threatened to strike last night over a proposed NHS contract they say will not pay them enough to see patients. Photo: Young doctors’ strike in front of St. Thomas Hospital
The NHS is preparing for strikes at four out of five next week, with nurses, paramedics and physios going home
He said: “As inflation remains stubbornly high and practices are burdened with rising expenses on accounts, staff and services, this offer will cause partners to question the viability of the practices and their ability to continue trying to meet their needs .” with safe care.
“If we have lost over 400 practices in England since 2019, affecting millions of patients, we cannot afford to lose any more.”
The BMA added: “If the Government and NHS England refuse to negotiate an improved offer and a contract is forced on practices, it will send completely the wrong message to patients and be a call to defend patient safety.
“GPC England will therefore be forced to consider all options, including the possibility of industrial action or collective action.”
The NHS is preparing for strikes on four days out of five next week, with nurses, paramedics and physiotherapists going home.
It has now emerged that the barons of the rail unions – behind today’s rail strikes – have exacerbated the train chaos in the north by refusing to work overtime.
Leaked correspondence shows Aslef, the train drivers’ union, told members to stop working on rest days after operator TransPennine Express (TPE) said replacement drivers should come to the depots – as they used to do.
During the pandemic, backup drivers started waiting at home for work instead of waiting at depots.
Resident Anita Jayadev, 35 (far right), joins other junior doctors on strike at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, London
The GP committee of the British Medical Association voted against the deal, describing it as “offensive” and a “slap in the face” (file photo).
However, since they stayed at home, they could not intervene and arrive at the last minute in time to perform specific services.
So TPE – which connects Newcastle, Hull and Leeds to Manchester – asked replacement drivers to come back.
But Aslef refused the request and the overtime agreement expired in November 2021. Since then, the operator has suffered from driver shortages and is one of the worst hit by cancellations.
The revelation puts a hole in unions’ claims that the operator is solely responsible for disruptions.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
